Mobile sanitization station

ABSTRACT

A mobile station having a cabinet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side wall, a pillar having a top surface and side walls is situated on a top surface of the cabinet, and a storage compartment extending from the cabinet for storing infection control supplies. Wheels are attached to the bottom surface of the cabinet to mobilize the unit. At least one sanitizing product can be mounted on the pillar. The mobile station is designed for easy cleaning and helps prevent infection.

This application is for a U.S. non-provisional application filed under 35 USC 111 and claiming priority to the Canadian Patent Application that has been assigned serial no. 2,642,688 that was filed on Nov. 3, 2008.

FIELD

This invention relates to infection control systems in general, and sanitizing and isolation stations in particular.

BACKGROUND

Infection control has always been an important issue especially in public spaces including hospitals and workspaces. There are many different models of hand sanitizing stations and mobile isolation units currently available in the infection prevention and control industry. Some isolation units include an iron rod hamper that can serve many purposes such as storing supplies, dirty gloves or apparel, or used sanitizing napkins. Being formed and shaped by iron rods makes the hampers on these prior art isolation units difficult to clean and maintain. Furthermore, the inside of the hamper is exposed permitting objects to fall out of the hamper.

Prior art isolation units that are movable on wheels do not have a secure and convenient braking and locking mechanism for increased stability. These units are also not designed for safety in case the movable unit collides with people, walls or other objects.

Furthermore, prior art isolation units are generally stands with or without wheels. Having a larger cavity and bulky mass in the unit of this invention can effectively serve as a physical barrier in front of a two-way hospital door. Also, it can be used as a sanitizing station in hallway intersections.

The object of the present disclosure is to present embodiments of a mobile sanitizing and isolation station (the station) that is practical, easy to clean, sanitizes, generates awareness, safe and barrier-free for wheelchair access.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the station relates to an isolation unit having a cabinet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side wall, a pillar having a top surface and side walls is situated on a top surface of the cabinet, and a storage compartment integrated with the cabinet for storing infection control supplies. The drawer is equipped with a nickel-plated lock that prevents tarnishing when cleaned and two like keys. Wheels are attached to the bottom surface of the cabinet to mobilize the unit and the wheels can be locked in placed. At least one sanitizing product can be mounted on the pillar. The isolation unit is easy to clean and helps prevent infection.

According to one aspect, the present station relates to a mobile station comprising a cabinet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side wall, and wheels attached to the bottom surface of the cabinet, a pillar having a top surface and at least one side wall suitable for placing at least one sanitizing product on the pillar, the pillar extending from the top surface of the cabinet, and a storage compartment in the cabinet.

The mobile station can further comprise at least one sanitizing product mounted on at least one of the side walls of the pillar, the at least one sanitizing product can comprise a dispenser, sanitizing cloths, or gloves, and can further comprise at least one message displayer attached on at least one of the side walls of the pillar for receiving a printed message.

The mobile station can further comprise a sign detachably situated on the top surface of the pillar for drawing users' attention and the sign can be octagonal in shape. The storage compartment can comprise a drawer with a front panel that slidably extends from one side wall of the cabinet. More than one drawer can be included and the drawer(s) can comprise a handle that is formed in an edge of the front panel of the drawer. In one embodiment, the handle does not protrude from the front panel of the drawer. The cabinet can be parallelepiped in shape and the vertical edges of the side walls can be rounded. The mobile station can further include a bumper surrounding the at least one wall of the cabinet and at least one brake to immobilize the mobile station. The brake can lock at least one wheel. The mobile station is preferably made of wood to faciliate cleaning. The wood can be laminated.

In another aspect, the present station relates to a sanitizing unit and a cabinet. The station can further comprise a pillar and sanitizing products mounted on the pillar, wheels and a ledge extending from a side wall of the pillar. A ledge can also extend from the cabinet. The station can further comprise a sign detachably extending from one surface of the pillar for drawing users' attention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a various embodiments, aspects and features of the disclosed station, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a side view of a mobile isolation station according to one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a front view of the mobile isolation station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a top view of another embodiment of a mobile isolation;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of a perspective side view of another embodiment of a mobile isolation station;

FIG. 5 is a photograph of a perspective side view of another embodiment of a mobile isolation; and

FIG. 6 is a photograph of an enlarged perspective view of the bottom of another embodiment of a mobile isolation station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a mobile station generally shown as 5 which comprises a cabinet 10 having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side walls, and wheels 12 attached to a base 20 on the bottom surface of the cabinet. The cabinet is shown with flat sides, however, it would be obvious to a person of skill in the art to have a cabinet shaped like a cylinder with a curved side. The cabinet can be made of ¾″ wood in a laminate finish to facilitate cleaning. Other finishes such as a lacquered finish can also be possible.

A pillar 14 extends from the top surface of the cabinet 10. Preferably, the pillar 14 is four-sided and its walls are suited for durably mounting at least four sanitizing products 16 such as hand sanitizer dispensers, sanitizing wipes, and sterile gloves. The sanitizing products can either be mounted with mechanisms such as screws, or the frame that covers and supports the sanitizing dispensers and other sanitizing products can be manufactured as part of one mold. Preferably, at least one side wall of the pillar has a message displayer 32, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, to display timely notices, advertisement, information on correct hand sanitizing procedures, list infection rates, or other printed material. The displayer preferably consists of two clear 8.5″ by 11″ styrene sleeves that are sealed on three sides for slotted top entry. The printed material can therefore be easily removed and replaced as needed.

The cabinet 10 also includes a storage compartment 18 that is preferably a dadoed drawer that extends from one wall of the cabinet 10 such that the contents inside the storage compartment can be viewed from above while the user is standing. The storage compartment 18 can be used to store infection control supplies, preferably to a capacity of at least 25 lbs. The drawer preferably does not have protruding handles. Instead, the front panel of the storage compartment 24 can have a lip 26, as shown in FIG. 2, which enables users to reach into the hollow space of the storage compartment 18 and pull open the drawer. The absence of protruding handles allows for easy cleaning. Having such a cabinet 10 with a storage compartment 18 allows the isolation station to be neat and tidy, and easier to clean as storage items need not hang from the station. The inner and outer surfaces of the storage compartment 18 are preferably laminated and its edges sealed to prevent any liquid, such as those used in the cleaning process, from harming the isolation station. The station can include a ledge protruding from the pillar that permits placement of personal belongings, freeing up the users' hands for cleaning.

Above the pillar 14 is a sign 22 that can be removed and replaced with another sign. The sign 22 is supported by a bracket 23 that adheres to the pillar 14. The sign 22 can be similar to a stop sign that is highly visible and reminds staff and public to clean their hands. Preferably, the sign is two-sided and 12″ (30.5 cm) in diameter. Alternatively, when used as a barrier in front of a two-way door as commonly seen in hospitals, the sign can direct hospital personnel or the public to use another door. The sign 22 can be placed to face any direction.

FIG. 3 shows a bumper 28 that surrounds the cabinet. The location of the bumper 28 is variable as long as it does not interfere with the opening and closing of the drawer of the storage compartment 18 and as long as it is positioned so that the wall would impact the bumper before impacting any other part of the mobile station. Preferably, the bumper 28 is 1″ thick and made at least partly of rubber.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the vertical edges of the side walls of the cabinet 10 are rounded for greater safety.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the base of the mobile station with wheels 12 such that the station can be easily moved by one person to the point-of-care as needed. The wheels are preferably made of commercial-grade, non-marking rubber. Each wheel is connected to a brake 30. The brakes are capable of locking the wheel to stabilize the station. Preferably, the locks on the brakes can be easily and quickly activated by the use of one foot. Conventional foot-locking brakes can be used.

Preferably, the height of the mobile station 5 is 53.75″ (136.5 cm). The base 20 is 22″ by 22″ (55.88 cm by 55.88 cm). The pillar 14 is preferably 10″ by 20″ (25.5 cm by 51 cm). This disclosed embodiment of the mobile preferably has a cavity and mass large enough to effectively serve as a physical barrier in front of a two-way hospital door to deter public or hospital staff members from using the door. Its size also enhances visibility of the station. In addition to its noticeable presence, the displayer in the message area or the sign above the pillar can instruct the public or hospital staff, for example, to enter, to not enter, to enter but clean their hands first, or to gown up.

In another embodiment, the station includes a ledge (not shown) extending from the pillar or the cabinet that permits placement of personal belongings, freeing up the users' hands for cleaning. Optionally, the top of the cabinet can be used as a ledge.

In yet another embodiment of the sanitizing station, it is stationary on the ground without wheels.

In yet another embodiment, the sanitizing station is mounted on a wall and positioned above ground. The station can be mounted with brackets fixed to the back of the station that are adapted to receive complementary brackets on the wall.

Various embodiments have been presented herein, along with various features, functions and aspects of the various embodiments. It should be appreciated that although some of the presented embodiments, features, functions and aspects are considered novel, not all embodiments must include all of the presented elements and in fact, various embodiments may utilize one or any combination of the afore mentioned features, functions and aspects. The embodiments and examples have been provided herein as non-limiting examples. 

1. A mobile station comprising: a cabinet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side wall, and wheels attached to the bottom surface of the cabinet, a pillar having a top surface and at least one side wall suitable for placing at least one sanitizing product on the pillar, the pillar extending from the top surface of the cabinet, and a storage compartment in the cabinet.
 2. The mobile station of claim 1, further comprising at least one sanitizing product mounted on at least one of the side walls of the pillar.
 3. The mobile station of claim 2, wherein the at least one sanitizing product comprises a dispenser, sanitizing cloths, or gloves.
 4. The mobile station of claim 1 further comprising at least one message displayer attached on at least one of the side walls of the pillar for receiving a printed message.
 5. The mobile station of claim 1, further comprising a sign detachably situated on the top surface of the pillar for drawing users' attention.
 6. The mobile station of claim 5, wherein the sign is octagonal in shape.
 7. The mobile station of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises a drawer with a front panel that slidably extends from one side wall of the cabinet.
 8. The mobile station of claim 7, wherein the drawer comprises a handle that is formed in an edge of the front panel of the drawer.
 9. The mobile station of claim 8, wherein the handle does not protrude from the front panel of the drawer.
 10. The mobile station of claim 1, wherein the cabinet is parallelepiped in shape and the vertical edges of the side walls are rounded.
 11. The mobile station of claim 1, further including a bumper surrounding the at least one wall of the cabinet.
 12. The mobile station of claim 1, further comprising at least one brake to immobilize the mobile station.
 13. The mobile station of claim 12, wherein the at least one brake can lock at least one wheel.
 14. The mobile station of claim 1, wherein the walls of the cabinet and the pillar are made of a wood.
 15. The mobile station of claim 14, wherein the wood is laminated.
 16. A station comprising a sanitizing unit and a cabinet.
 17. The station of claim 16, wherein the sanitizing unit comprises a pillar and sanitizing products mounted on the pillar.
 18. The station of claim 17 further comprising wheels.
 19. The station of claim 18, further comprising a ledge extending from a side wall of the pillar.
 20. The station of claim 18, further comprising a ledge extending from the cabinet.
 21. The station of claim 20, wherein the pillar further comprises a sign detachably extending from one surface of the pillar for drawing users' attention. 